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The Four C's of Diamonds

When you are planning on purchasing a diamond it is important that you know as much as possible about how diamonds are classified. There are four topics you need to become familiar with Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight.

Cut

When we speak of cut we are more interested in the proportions of the diamond as opposed to its shape (Round Brilliant, Marquise, Pear, Princess, etc.) Every diamond regardless of its shape gets it brilliancy and scintillation by cutting and polishing the diamond facets to allow the maximum amount of light that enters through its top to be reflected and dispersed back through its top. A correctly cut, "well made", stone is pictured in (diagram1). As you can see if the angles are correct the light that enters is dispersed properly back through the diamond's top facets. When a stone is cut too shallow (diagram2) or too deep (diagram3) the light that enters through the top is allowed to escape through the diamond's bottom and does not allow the maximum beauty of the diamond to be realized.

DIAMOND SHAPES

Round Diamonds

The round shape is one of the most demanded cuts in diamonds. This shape has up to 108 facets, which means it can hide flaws in the stone. Round (or brilliant) diamonds indicate that the bride is traditional and wants a classic engagement ring. The round shape is also a symbol of eternity, because there is no ending and no beginning.

Princess-Cut Diamonds

Princess-cut diamonds look like a square. This cut has become popular for diamond engagement rings in recent years. The clean lines indicate that the diamond shape is suited to a more modern bride. This shape may show more flaws in the stone than a round diamond. Princess-cut stones are often set in a plain, polished band with few accent stones. The princess cut is prevalent in the "past present and future" ring style.

Oval Diamonds

Oval diamonds are traditional and different at the same time. Your engagement ring will still be different from all of your friends' rings. The oval shape is still a classic diamond shape. It's the perfect shape for a bride who wants to combine tradition and personality.

Pear-Shaped Diamonds

Pear-shaped diamonds are also called teardrop-shaped diamonds. This shape provides the wearer with options. They can either wear the point of the ring so it faces up or down. This shape of diamond works well for a woman who likes versatility.

Heart-Cut Diamonds

The heart is a symbol of love. A heart cut diamond is one of the few shapes that most people will be able to guess the technical term for. The heart-shaped diamond is perfect to convey romance.

Marquise Diamond

The marquise shape of diamond has a point at both ends. A marquise diamond implies that it will be worn by a woman who doesn't follow the trends, sets them instead.

Emerald-Cut Diamond

An emerald-cut diamond looks like a rectangle. The elongated shape of diamond can make your stone seem bigger than it actually is, so this shape works well for a woman who likes to show off.

Color

Diamonds come naturally in every color of the rainbow. However most people are concerned with diamonds in the white range. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) rates the body color in white diamonds from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow).

The best color for a diamond is no color at all. A totally colorless diamond allows light to pass through it easily, resulting in the light being dispersed as the color of the rainbow. Colors are graded totally colorless to light yellow. The differences from one grade to the other are very subtle and it takes a trained eye and years of experience to color grade a diamond.

Clarity

The clarity of a diamond is determined by the amount and location of flaws, or blemishes, in the diamond when viewed under 10 power (10x) magnification. GIA rates clarity grades in diamonds from Flawless to Imperfect 3 (see chart below). The Diamond Shopping Network offers you diamonds from the Imperfect 1 grade through Flawless.

Most diamonds contain very tiny birthmarks known as "inclusions." An inclusion can interfere with the light passing through the diamond. The fewer the inclusions, the more beautiful the diamond will be.

Diamonds have the capability of producing more brilliance than any other gemstone. A diamond that is free of inclusions and surface blemishes is very rare…and therefore very valuable.

Carat-Weight

This is the weight of a diamond measured in carats. As the carat weight of a diamond increases so does its rarity and therefore its price.

One carat is divided into 100 "points," so that a diamond of 75 points weights .75 carats. The carat-weight of a diamond is the easiest measurement to determine. Most importantly, two diamonds can be of equal carat-weight, but their value can differ greatly due to their cut, color, and clarity.

Ring Sizer

Instructions:

- Print and cut out ring sizer. Cut small slit that is marked with an arrow.

- Place ring sizer comfortably around finger by slipping pointed end through the slit, numbers facing out.

- Secure the ring sizer by pulling the pointed end snuggly around your finger like a belt, tight but can still move it around. Be sure it’s not too tight or too loose.

- Your approximate ring size should be the number that appears where it says “Read Size Here”.

Measure your finger by wrapping a string around it. Find the length of the string that makes exactly one loop around, and use the chart below for reference

If the finger is not available for measuring (ie a surprise gift), use a ring from the individual’s current jewelry collection. Place the ring on a circle within the chart below. The correct circle size should fit right against the inside edge of the ring.

Birthstones are gemstones that accompany a birth month. During Ancient times there's a belief that gemstones had incredible powers such as luck, health and prosperity.

JANUARY

Garnet, the birthstone of January, is mined in a rainbow of colors. From the fiery orange of Mandarin Garnet to the rich green of Tsavorite Garnet and to the most widely recognized color of Pyrope Garnet, it is considered a great gift to symbolize friendship and trust.

FEBRUARY

Amethyst, the birthstone of February, is a variety of Quartz that carries a spectacular purple color that ranges from a blend of deep violet and red to a lighter lilac hue. Ancient Greeks believed that the stone protected the wearer from drunkenness and enabled them to keep a balanced mindset.

MARCH

Aquamarine, the birthstone of March, has a rich color and has long been a symbol of youth, health and hope. Its mesmerizing color ranges from pale to deep blue and are reminiscent of the sea. A perfect birthstone for March, the Aquamarine creates a beautiful accent to spring and summer wardrobes.

APRIL

Diamonds, the birthstone of April, are commonly associated with love which make it the perfect gift for a loved one. While white diamonds are most common, fancy colored diamonds can be found in various colors including yellow, blue, pink and a variety of others as well.

MAY

Emerald, the birthstone of May, carries the rich green color of Spring and radiates a beautiful vivid tone. They are considered to be a symbol of rebirth and love. Emeralds are the rarest gemstones and are typically mined in Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan and Zambia.

JUNE

June birthdays claim two birthstones; pearl and Alexandrite. Pearls have been wildly popular in jewelry for centuries because of their natural beauty. Alexandrite gemstones are extremely rare and desirable since they change color based on the lighting.

JULY

Rubies, the birthstone of July, are considered the king of gems and represent love, health and wisdom. It was believed wearing a fine red Ruby bestowed good fortune on its owner. A Ruby is the most valuable gemstone and its value increases based on its color and quality.

AUGUST

August is the latest month to claim two birthstones; Peridot and Spinel. Peridot, with it’s signature lime green color, is believed to instill power and influence in the wearer. Spinel is available in a brilliant range of colors and is believed to protect the owner from harm and soothe away sadness.

SEPTEMBER

Sapphire, the birthstone of September, is most desired in its pure, rich blue color but is present in almost every color including pink, yellow and green. In the Middle Ages the gem was believed to protect those close to you from harm and also represented loyalty and trust.

OCTOBER

October also has two birthstones; Tourmaline and Opal. Tourmaline is a favorite gemstone for many because it’s available in a rainbow of beautiful colors. Opal gemstones are truly unique because each individual gem is adorned with a one-of-a-kind color combination.

NOVEMBER

November birthdays are associated with two gems; Citrine and Topaz. The warm color of Citrine is said to be a gift from the sun and it’s believed to be a healing gemstone. Topaz is most desired in its rich orange Imperial Topaz color but it is found in a variety of rich colors like blue, pink and yellow.

DECEMBER

December birthdays have claim to three gemstones; Zircon, Tanzanite and Turquoise. Each of these gemstones carries a unique blue tone. Zircon can be found in a variety of colors, but blue is the overwhelming favorite